Ashby councillors have raised concerns about plans for the proposed new Lounge Bar in Market Street to have outside tables and seating.

The nationwide chain of bar restaurants intends to move into the former HSBC Bank building in Ashby.

Lounge hopes to be open to the public before Christmas - but it is the company's intention to have an outdoor seating area at the front of the building that is being questioned.

The intention is to have tables in the recess of the former bank where there was once a cashpoint.

That area would be occupied by seating.

But a meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's licensing committee earlier this month, suggested it would not work.

Councillors were asked to consider an application for four tables.

Cllr Murrae Blair-Park said: "I was at a Pubwatch meeting and asked the question of everybody around the table, but nobody jumped up and said it was a good idea.

"In fact, we had one or two people who were quite vocal in their disagreement.

"And the reason for it is that, if you go to a pub at night and you have outside drinkers, it's a nightmare.

"All this does is add to that situation. I personally don't think it's a good idea at all.

"I've had a look at one of their premises in Nottingham, and they don't have outside drinking.

"What they have got is a rear space which they are developing as a beer garden, that makes absolute sense.

"For the number of tables they're putting out there, for me, it creates another problem. It's not a wise thing."

It was suggested that Lounge wanted to use the outdoor tables in the daytime only - then take them inside in the evening.

But there was some support for allowing people to sit outside with a drink.

Cllr Dave Bigby clarified the position on whether people can drink alcohol outside.

He said: "There is no rule against it, the rule is that, if they are causing a nuisance then the police can act."

Cllr Carl Benfield said he sided with Cllr Blair-Park after seeing 'running battles' in the past'.

He added: "I saw it and videoed the whole thing. People were clubbing each other with bits of 4X2.

"They were taking chairs and using them as weapons in the street."

Council leader, Cllr Chris Smith, added: "I wouldn't rule it out forever, let's see how it turns out.

"It may be a different atmosphere. Does that organisation's financial viability depend on eight people sitting outside?

"I say let it we get the place up and running then come back in a year to see what's happening."

It was decided that the tables should be there in the daytime, and taken inside during the night-time.